Are Krystal Burgers Really Made with Real Beef?

Krystal restaurants are best known for their small, square hamburgers served steamy hot right off the grill. With 90 years in business, Krystal has become a staple of southern comfort food. But some fast food connoisseurs question what exactly goes into those iconic little burgers. So are Krystal burgers really made with real beef? Let’s find out.

A Closer Look at Krystal Burgers

The main ingredients in a Krystal burger are the beef patty, bun, onions, pickles, and mustard Here’s what each component contains

• Beef Patties – Krystal confirms that their burgers are made with 100% pure American beef with no fillers, additives or artificial flavors. The beef is ground fresh and formed into thin patties for quick cooking.

• Buns – The signature steamed buns are made from enriched wheat flour, water, yeast, and vegetable oil. They contain no preservatives.

• Onions – The diced onions are dehydrated and then rehydrated with beef broth to intensify flavor.

• Pickles – Sliced dill pickles provide a tangy crunch.

• Mustard – Yellow mustard packs a punch of flavor.

So when Krystal says their burgers contain 100% beef, they aren’t kidding. The ingredients are simple and familiar, with no mystery meats or artificial add-ins.

A Commitment to Quality Since 1932

Krystal has been serving their signature sliders since 1932. Founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the restaurant pioneered quick-service burgers before McDonald’s and White Castle.

Since the beginning, Krystal has committed to using quality ingredients like fresh-ground beef. Their beef patties are always made completely from beef, never containing filler or extenders. Krystal even grinds the beef themselves instead of using pre-formed patties.

While many fast food chains have turned to cheaper ingredients and artificial flavors, Krystal sticks to time-tested recipes and practices. They’ve resisted cutting corners in pursuit of higher profits. Customers continue to crave the nostalgic flavor of a classic Krystal burger just as it was decades ago.

How Krystals Are Cooked

Attention to detail in sourcing and preparation also sets Krystals apart. Each Krystal patty is placed on a hot grill and smashed down with a special spatula. The flat, thin patty allows the burger to cook faster and develop that crispy, caramelized crust.

After flipping the patty, a Krystal employee tops the burger with diced onions, a pickle, and mustard before the final steaming of the bun. Every component comes together for a heavenly burger experience in under 2 minutes. Krystal’s cooking process was honed over decades to deliver maximum flavor.

Why So Many Love Krystals

Krystal has survived and thrived for nearly a century because they’ve stuck to their roots – great-tasting burgers made from quality ingredients. Here’s why Krystals have such devout fans:

• Nostalgic flavor – Brings back happy memories for generations who grew up on Krystals.

• Never frozen – Fresh, never-frozen beef keeps the juicy texture and beefy flavor.

• Poppable portions – Easy to grab and eat these mini burgers on the go.

• Value pricing – Get a tasty meal for just pocket change, even today.

• Quick preparation – Hot, crisp Krystals are served almost instantly over the counters.

• No secrets – Clean, recognizable ingredients, no mystery meats or artificial add-ins.

So are Krystal burgers really made with real beef? The answer is a definitive yes! Their commitment to fresh, quality ingredients in a signature process has made Krystal a beloved American institution.

Krystal Burger Nutrition Facts

While Krystal burgers are made with real, wholesome ingredients, they are still a fast food. Here is the nutrition breakdown for an original Krystal burger:

• Calories: 140
• Total Fat: 7g
• Carbs: 11g
• Protein: 8g

A single Krystal burger provides lean protein but is also moderately high in fat and sodium. The small size prevents excess calories, but it’s best to enjoy Krystals in moderation.

Trying Krystals for Yourself

The best way to experience the great flavor of Krystal burgers is to visit one of their 300+ locations across the south. Their website makes it easy to find a restaurant near you.

You can also buy frozen Krystal burgers at select grocery stores to cook at home. While not quite as good as fresh, they can satisfy a Krystal craving in a pinch. Just bake or pan fry them up and add your favorite toppings.

So don’t just take Krystal’s word about their 100% beef burgers – go taste one for yourself! The delicious flavors will transport you right back to childhood or a fond memory. Krystal burgers are a uniquely American treat that everyone should try at least once.

Other Krystal Menu Items

Beyond their famous burgers, Krystal also serves a variety of other comfort foods:

• Hot dogs – Made with a pork and beef blend.

• Corn dogs – Hand-dipped in a sweet cornmeal batter.

• Chicken tenders – Crispy fried chicken breast strips.

• Breakfast – Sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and meat on a steamed bun.

• Chiks & Tenders – Fried chicken sandwiches.

• French fries – Fresh-cut and cooked until crispy.

• Onion rings – Coated in a lightly breaded batter.

• Milkshakes – Thick and creamy hand-dipped shakes.

Whatever you order, you can trust it is made with care at Krystal. While not gourmet, the food is satisfying and hits the spot on a comfort food craving.

The Verdict on Krystal Burgers

After looking closely at their ingredients, cooking methods, and company history, it is evident that Krystal burgers are indeed made with 100% real American beef. No fillers, byproducts, or artificial flavors are used in their iconic sliders. Krystal also still grinds the beef in-house for each patty.

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